Plot
What are the proles?
The common people of Oceania, unbound by the rules and regulations set by Big Brother.
How does Winston change over the course of 1984?
Winston, who initially harbored hatred for Big Brother, eventually became submissive and accepting of the government due to the torture he endured at the hands of O'Brien?
How does Winston's apartment differ from those of his neighbors?
Winston's apartment is depicted as cold and empty; it is the shell of a home. On the other hand, his neighbors have families, and their apartments seem warm and full of joy.
How does Big Brother address the general public?
Big Brother always speaks in order to instill fear; by scaring the people, he is able to more easily control them.
Winston does not succeed in escaping; thanks to O'Brien, he becomes a subservient member of Oceania.
What role does Julia play in 1984?
Julia is an antihero, entering Winston's life with unknown motives.
How do the prole neighborhoods differ from the rest of Oceania?
Because the proles are unbound by the rules of Oceania, their neighborhoods are dirty and often very poor. Oceania, on the other hand, is clean and sustained by the government.
How does Winston talk to O'Brien? How does he talk to Julia?
Winston attempts to hide his true feelings from O'Brien, while he is not scared of telling Julia how he feels about society.
What happens to Winston and Julia by the end of 1984?
After being taken away by O'Brien, Winston is forced to admit his true feelings as well as all of the things that he and Julia were planning. Winston throws Julia under the bus to save himself from pain, a decision that he tried desperately to avoid. They eventually meet again, and decide to part ways for good.
How does O'Brien change over the course of the story?
O'Brien meets Winston for the first time after a broadcast, seemingly resistant towards the government. Winston eventually discovers his true feelings in Room 101.
What is Winston's workplace like?
Winston is employed by the Ministry of Truth; he is tasked with destroying news and distributing false information to the general public.
How is Newspeak different from the language spoken by the proles?
Newspeak contradicts its' definitions; words do not mean what they are thought to. The proles speak English, which further distances them from the ways of Oceania.
How does the government affect people, even behind closed doors?
Through their broadcasts and lies, the government instills a deep sense of nationalism as well as intense fear of outliers. This causes the people of Oceania to prioritize their own safety and betray their neighbors, creating a lack of security even among families and friends.
How does the relationship between Winston and O'Brien change over the course of 1984?
Upon discovering Winston's intentions to resist Big Brother, O'Brien takes it upon himself to torture Winston and make him a respectable citizen of Oceania.
How does the cafeteria represent the feeling of Oceania as a whole?
The cafeteria is chaotic, and it does not fulfill the people's needs and wants. The people of Oceania are granted only the bare minimum, and they are left unfulfilled and unhappy.
How do the government broadcasts instill fear?
Big Brother speaks in a way that creates division; he accuses and blames different parts of Oceania for the pain that the people endure, thus creating intense hatred for the world and fear of people.
How does Winston's upbringing impact his beliefs as an adult? Does he regret the choices he made during childhood?
Winston's family was torn apart during his early years. His mother was killed by the government, leaving Winston alone and vulnerable as a young child. His memories instill a sense of hatred for Big Brother.
How is the relationship between Julia and Winston characterized?
Julia seems to enter Winston's life with ulterior motives, and over the course of the story, it appears that their relationship is transactional.
What is Room 101?
Room 101 is used to torture unruly members of the population and reintegrate them into society as lovers of Big Brother. Winston is tortured her by O'Brien.
How is language used to cover up one's beliefs?
Newspeak prevents people from sharing how they truly feel, as it eliminates the possibility of talking about emotions. Newspeak is a way for Big Brother to stifle the people of Oceania.